Odisha Secretariat Declared Tobacco-Free Zone

The Odisha government has officially declared Lok Seva Bhawan, the state secretariat, and its entire premises a tobacco-free zone, banning smoking, consumption of tobacco products and spitting within the complex.
The Health and Family Welfare Department issued a notification on Thursday, stating that the decision is aimed at safeguarding employees and visitors from the health hazards associated with tobacco use while promoting a cleaner and healthier working environment.
The notification highlighted tobacco consumption as a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions and respiratory disorders. It also noted that tobacco use is estimated to cause around 1.3 million deaths in India every year.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the initiative would support the objectives of the Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat and Nasha Mukt Bharat campaigns. He said the government wants Lok Seva Bhawan to serve as a clean and healthy workplace while encouraging younger generations to adopt tobacco-free lifestyles.
The move is also aimed at improving cleanliness across the state’s administrative headquarters, where large numbers of employees and visitors move through the premises every day.
Under the notification, anyone violating the tobacco-free rules will face action and the offence will be punishable under the applicable laws.